Today in the Second World War

The 15th of August

Hidden History
August 15, 2023

Welcome to the August 15 edition of the Hidden History Newsletter! On this date, pivotal moments in the heat of battle and behind the scenes took place, shaping the very fabric of the conflict. Join us as we journey back in time, highlighting the bravery, strategies, and countless stories from this significant day during the Second World War. Together, let's keep history alive and remembered.

"You are doomed... you have already cut rations by a half...but your prestige and honour have been upheld" - General Homma - Speaking of General MacArthur - January 1942

Spying

German parachutist Josef Jakobs, captured in Britain on 1 Feb 1941, was executed by firing squad at the Tower of London in England, United Kingdom at 0715 hours. He was the last person to be executed at that site.

Jakobs in c. 1941

Surrender

Emperor Showa addressed his nation via radio, announcing the end of the war. Meanwhile, the Japanese government informed the Allies its willingness to meet the unconditional surrender terms. In response, the US government ordered all hostilities to cease in Asia. A group of Japanese Army officers made a coup d'état attempt by attacking the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan; it ended in failure.

American servicemen and women gathered in front of 'Rainbow Corner' Red Cross club in Paris, France to celebrate the unconditional surrender of the Japanese, 15 Aug 1945.

Photo of the Day

German Panzer V Panther Ausf. A tank during the retreat from Romania to Hungary, Aug-Sep 1944.

Your dedication to remembering ensures these stories echo through time. Until we meet on the morrow's pages, stay informed and cherish the lessons of the past. Farewell from the Hidden History Newsletter.

If you ever have any recommendations feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]

Have a great week :)

Recommended Books:

The Lost Paratroopers of Normandy: A Story of Resistance, Courage, and Solidarity in a French Village: Rabe, Stephen G.

The fateful days and weeks surrounding 6 June 1944 have been extensively documented in histories of the Second World War, but less attention has been paid to the tremendous impact of these events on the populations nearby. The Lost Paratroopers of Normandy tells the inspiring yet heartbreaking story of ordinary people who did extraordinary things in defense of liberty and freedom.

The Longest Winter: The Battle of the Bulge and the Epic Story of WWII's Most Decorated Platoon: Kershaw, Alex

The epic story of the vastly outnumbered platoon that stopped Germany's leading assault in the Ardennes forest and prevented Hitler's most fearsome tanks from overtaking American positions.

Marine Raiders: The True Story of the Legendary WWII Battalions (World War II Collection) Avriett, Carole Engle

Readers of Stephen E. Ambrose and E.B. Sledge will rejoice. The story of a special operations unit formed in World War II called the Marine Raiders whose commanders included the President's son. They are greatest warriors you never heard of!

Strange and Obscure Stories of World War II: Little-Known Tales about the Second World War: Aines, Dons

Here are overlooked or forgotten tales from the world's greatest conflict. These are stories of courage, daring, and stupidity, some of which would challenge the imaginations of Hollywood scriptwriters.

Race of Aces: Bruning, John R.

The astonishing untold story of the WWII airmen who risked it all in the deadly race to become the greatest American fighter pilot.

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